THE PRESIDENT: Good evening, and welcome. Over the past eight years, we
have made the Iftaar dinner an annual tradition here at the White House.
And I'm really glad we did. At this year's gathering, we pay special
tribute to the many contribution Muslim Americans have made to our nation.
We join in wishing Muslims around the world, "Ramadan Mubarak."

Mr. Prime Minister, welcome. We're honored you're in our midst.
Congressman Keith Ellison, Congressman André Carson are with us. Members
of the administration here tonight; members of the diplomatic corps -- we
are glad you're here; my fellow citizens. Major, I'm looking forward to
the blessing. Thank you for being here with us today.

According to the teachings of Islam, Ramadan commemorates the revelation of
God's word in the Holy Koran to the prophet Mohammad. The word has become
the foundation for one of the world's great religions. Today more than a
billion Muslims around the globe celebrate the month of Ramadan with daily
fasting, heartfelt prayer, and acts of charity.

During Ramadan, we are reminded of Islam's long and distinguished history.
Throughout the centuries, the Islamic world has been home to great centers
of learning and culture. Muslim thinkers and scientists have advanced the
frontiers of human knowledge. People of all faiths have benefited from the
achievements of Muslims in fields from philosophy and poetry to mathematics
and medicine.

At the beginning of a new century, Muslims in the United States are
continuing this proud tradition of innovation and invention. Tonight we
honor members of the Muslim community who've risen to the top of their
professions. Among our guests are individuals with wide-ranging
accomplishments -- from working on the Apollo Program, to pioneering
advances in healthcare and medicine, to developing cutting-edge
applications for the Internet.

One of these innovators is Professor Maysam Ghovanloo. This immigrant from
Iran has become one of our nation's most ingenious biomedical engineers.
Last month, the good professor and his team of researchers at Georgia Tech
unveiled an incredible invention that could one day help people with severe
disabilities operate wheelchairs and surf the Internet by simply moving
their tongue. Through this pioneering research, this good professor has
brought new hope to thousands. He, like others in this room, have earned
the admiration of our citizens.

Stories like the professor's remind us that one of the great strengths of
our nation is its religious diversity. Americans practice many different
faiths. But we all share a belief in the right to worship freely. We
reject bigotry in all its forms. And over the past eight years, my
administration has been proud to work closely with Muslim Americans to
promote justice and tolerance of all faiths.

We've also partnered with Muslims around the world to spread freedom to
millions of people who have never known it before. We're helping the
people of Iraq and Afghanistan build free societies after decades of
tyranny. And during the month of reflection, we will remember all the
brave Muslim Americans who wear the uniform of the United States Armed
Forces. They represent the best of our nation. I'm honored to be their
Commander-in-Chief.

As we break the fast tonight, let us give thanks for all those who serve a
cause greater than themselves. Let us give thanks for the many ways that
Muslim Americans have enriched our lives. And let us give thanks that we
live in a country that makes one people out of many.

I thank you for joining us tonight. I wish you all a blessed Ramadan. And
now the Imam will say the blessing.